Here is a summary of how the Cleveland Browns are viewed across mainstream media outlets in NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 2.
CBS Sports - No. 28 (up 1 spot)
There were a lot of good things that showed up in the loss to the Steelers. They will be feisty all season long.
ESPN - No. 30 (no change)
The Browns lost their 13th straight season opener, but on the plus side, they lost by only three points to a tough Steelers team. Possible overreaction: If quarterback DeShone Kizer cuts down on the sacks (seven), the Browns could be a competitive team.
NFL.com - No. 28 (up 2 spots)
OK, so the Browns lost. Maybe we're getting carried away here by methodically moving Hue Jackson's outfit up the charts. Yet, in light of all the young talent on this roster and the ballgame the Browns gave AFC North bully Pittsburgh on Sunday, Cleveland's ascension is earned. Most relevant to the nucleus on this team -- and the close contest in Week 1 -- is the development of rookie QB DeShone Kizer. The former Notre Dame standout completed a few balls that would make Browns fans forget about Brandon Weeden and Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson rather quickly, while also flashing enough mobility to be a threat (including rushing for a touchdown). Not saying Kizer is the undeniable answer, but he at least makes it worthwhile to ask the question.
Bleacher Report - No. 28 (up 1 spot)
Yahoo Sports - No. 29 (up 2 spots)
Not everything was going to be fixed in one offseason. But coming off a 1-15 season, they lost by a field goal to a Steelers team most people view as one of the two best in the AFC. You can see the progress.
Pro Football Focus - No. 31 (up 1 spot)
Associated Press - No. 29 (up 2 spots)
Listed below is a summary table of where teams in the AFC North are ranked this week.
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| Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers | |
| CBS Sports | 24 | 28 | 16 | 3 |
| ESPN | 25 | 30 | 14 | 1 |
| NFL.com | 29 | 28 | 17 | 8 |
| Bleacher Report | 25 | 28 | 9 | 5 |
| Yahoo Sports | 24 | 29 | 16 | 1 |
| Pro Football Focus | 20 | 31 | 12 | 4 |
| Associated Press | 27 | 29 | 12 | 6 |
| Average | 24.9 (down 6.3) |
29.0 (up 1.0) |
13.7 (up 6.3) |
4.0 (up 0.1) |